Staff

In 2012, the City of Chanhassen developed an enhanced program to combat the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). The policy was developed by compiling extensive input from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), watershed districts, lake associations, and citizens. 2015 will mark the fourth year that Chanhassen has managed this program.

Trained Inspectors

The city has contracted Volt Workforce Solutions to provide trained inspectors at all three public access points throughout the 2014 boating season. A DNR-sponsored watercraft inspection program also provided additional hours of inspections at Lotus Lake.

Common Carp

If you see common carp or other aquatic invasive species in a waterbody within Chanhassen, please contact our Water Resources Department.

Riley Creek Chain of lakes includes five lakes, of which Lake Lucy is positioned on top of the chain, and below it are lakes Ann, Susan, Rice Marsh, and Riley. Common carp is present in all lakes, although their density has been historically highest in the three lower lakes. Common Carp is among the world’s most widely distributed and damaging invasive fish. The development and implementation of a strategy to control common carp in the Riley Creek Chain of Lakes was adopted by Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District and the City of Chanhassen.

Action Plan

The AIS action plan was endorsed by the city council on February 27, 2012, and includes the following:

A watercraft inspection program
Incorporation of updated DNR Best Management Practices (BMP) for water access at the three city-owned public access points
Collaboration with other project partners
Preparation of a year-end report to consider further actions

The main component of the city’s 2012 action plan involves the expenditure of $42,750 for the implementation of a formal inspection program at Lotus Lake, Lake Susan, and Lake Ann beginning on May 25, 2012. The $42,750 is comprised of the following:

$10,000 City of Chanhassen
$25,000 Riley-Purgatory-Bluff Creek Watershed District
$ 7,750 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Public Awareness and Education

Preventative actions that you can take to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species include:

Removing visible aquatic hitchhikers from the boat and trailer.
Draining water out of the bilge or live well.
Disposing any extra and unused bait in the trash, not the lake.

It is illegal to transport any aquatic plants, zebra mussels, New Zealand mud snails, or other prohibited invasive species or to launch a boat or trailer with these species attached.

Reports

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